Feel like you lost your freedom to move around? You're not alone. Many seniors struggle walking from place to place. Well, it's time to get your freedom back. It's time to buy a walker and get your mobility back.
Walkers sound simple enough — they help you to be able to walk. Surprisingly though, they're not as simple as they seem. Walkers are used for a variety of reasons and can come in many different styles, designs, and even colors.
Walkers are not a one size fits all device. The different types of walker available provide support for different levels of mobility. It's important to find a walker that fits you and your particular lifestyle.
Different Types of Walkers
- Standard Walkers: Standard walkers are also known as medical walkers. They provide the most support for users as they do not have any wheels. They require users to pick up the walker completely off the ground in order to take a step forward. While standard walkers do provide the most support, they also provide the risk of snagging on rugs or other obstacles. This type is usually less expensive and much lighter in weight.
- Rollators: Rollators have four wheels and can either come with or without a seat. Rollators can allow their users to move much faster than standard walkers since the user is not hindered by having to pick up the walker prior to each step. Luckily, rollators come with a braking system in case things start moving too fast. Due to the wheels, rollators provide less support and can be heavier than standard walkers. Additionally, rollators are more expensive than standard walkers. Rollators are the most popular type of walker as they are more customizable allowing for many colors, different seating material, and changeable wheels.
- Rolling Walkers: Rolling walkers have wheels on the front so they are a hybrid of standard walkers and rollators. Rolling walkers can be faster than standard walkers, but they do provide less support. Many standard walkers come with accessories allowing users to add wheels to a standard walker.
Shopping for the Perfect Walker
When shopping for your walker, it's important to keep in mind what kind of mobility and support you need. You should also think about your lifestyle and how this walker will fit into it.
Are you always in the park with your grandchildren walking on different surfaces? Do you have a hard time lifting things in and out of your car? Do you move around quickly or would you rather take your time moving from place to place?
Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for Your Walker
- Is it adjustable? Most walkers allow for users to adjust the height, but be mindful when ordering yours. Be sure to check the maximum and minimum height listed on the page. Nothing is worse than ordering the perfect walker only to realize it isn't going to fit you.
- Are there brakes? Some braking systems require more hand strength than others. Be sure to check out the reviews of other users if you're concerned about what kind of strength you'll need to muster to engage the brakes. Nobody wants to be out for their first stroll on a runaway walker.
- Is a bag included? Many walkers include a bag or other storage options. However, some don't. Also, it can be difficult finding the perfect bag to attach. Your best bet is to find a walker that comes with a bag included so you don't have to search for the perfect matching bag.
Our Top Picks
- Hugo Elite Rollator Walker #1 Pick
- Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator
- Medline Premium Empower Rollator
- Vive Mobility Rollator Walker
- Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator
- NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator
- Medline Freedom Mobility Lightweight Folding Walker
- Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator (Older Adult)
- Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Rollator
- Able Life Space Saver Walker
Hugo Elite Rollator Walker
The Hugo Elite is one of the most popular rollators on the market — and for good reason. It features a comfortable built-in seat, a storage pouch, and easy one-hand folding. The 8-inch wheels handle indoor and outdoor surfaces with ease.
Pros
- Built-in padded seat for resting
- Easy one-hand folding
- Large 8-inch wheels for indoor/outdoor use
Cons
- Slightly heavier than basic walkers
Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator
An affordable, reliable rollator with a padded seat, backrest, and under-seat storage basket. Easy to fold and lightweight enough for most seniors to lift into a car.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Under-seat storage basket
Cons
- Smaller wheels struggle on rough surfaces
Medline Premium Empower Rollator
A premium rollator with large 8-inch wheels, a comfortable mesh seat, and a thoughtful cup holder. The Empower is wider than most rollators, making it a great choice for larger users.
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomic hand grips
- Smooth-gliding 8-inch wheels
- Padded flip-up seat
Vive Mobility Rollator Walker
A versatile rollator that works well both indoors and outdoors. Features a flip-up seat, removable backrest, and comfortable hand grips. Comes with a lifetime guarantee from Vive.
Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator
This innovative side-folding design makes the Explore one of the most compact rollators when folded — perfect for tight car trunks and small closets. Sturdy and easy to use.
Pros
- Compact side-fold design
- Takes up minimal storage space
NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator
A compact, lightweight rollator with 6-inch wheels — ideal for indoor use and tight spaces. The NOVA Vibe 6 comes in fun colors and is easy to fold with one hand.
Medline Freedom Mobility Lightweight Folding Walker
A traditional folding walker (no wheels) with a lightweight aluminum frame. Perfect for seniors who need stable support and don't need a rolling walker. Folds flat for easy storage.
Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator (Older Adult)
A variation of the Explore designed with a slightly higher seat and handles for taller seniors. Same great side-folding design in a comfortable, easy-to-push package.
Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Rollator
A sleek, European-style rollator with large 10-inch front wheels that handle uneven terrain with ease. The cross-brace folding design and adjustable-height handles make it one of the most functional rollators available.
Pros
- Large 10-inch front wheels
- Handles uneven terrain well
Able Life Space Saver Walker
The Space Saver is uniquely designed for narrow hallways and tight spaces. It folds to just 8 inches for closet storage and has a ratchet adjustment for custom height. Great for small apartments.
Pros
- Folds to just 8 inches
- Ideal for small spaces
Buying Guide
Final Editorial Verdict
Buying a Walker
There has never been a better time to buy a walker. Even just a decade ago, so many fewer options were available. Now, in addition to the standard walker, rolling walker, and rollator, there are upright walkers for more ergonomic support. There are even tri-walkers for the benefits of a rollator without the price or the weight.
New materials have made walkers lighter than ever. Even when purchasing a rollator with wheels and a seat, it's still lighter than its forefather manufactured 20 years ago. These new materials are also more stable and durable.
Walkers are now fully customizable and adjustable. Whether you're tall or you're short, you can now find the perfect walker for your height. Many walkers don't even require a special tool to adjust the height making it a simple twist of the hand to get the walker to its optimal level.
Many walkers come with accessories such as bags that fit perfectly to that walker. Previously, users had to search for a bag that would almost fit. Now, walker manufacturers include these accessories in the price of the walker to make things much more streamlined for the consumer.
You can research at your leisure and find the best walker or rollator for your needs, mobility, and lifestyle before committing. Walkers can be a big purchase and you need to make sure you have all the information available before making an investment. This is your mobility and your life — you want to make the most educated choice that you can.
There are many different options, styles, and even colors of walker available. Don't be intimidated by all the choices. Once you figure out what you need your walker to accomplish for you and your lifestyle, it is a lot easier to find the best walker that is going to work for you.
So what are you waiting for? Time to take your freedom back and get moving again!